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Back to newsAdopt a School Chef Masterclass Inspires Our Students
6th Feb 2026Our Year 10 Food Preparation and Nutrition students enjoyed an unforgettable chef masterclass as part of the Royal Academy of Culinary Arts’ Adopt a School Trust programme, a fantastic initiative designed to inspire young people through hands-on culinary experiences and career insights.
We were delighted to welcome Chef Ashley Marsh and one of his talented student chefs, who brought energy, expertise and passion into our classroom. Ashley immediately connected with our students, creating a fun, engaging learning environment where everyone felt involved and excited to participate.
During the session, students worked practically to create a beautiful seasonal vegetable tart, learning the importance of sustainability and the benefits of cooking with fresh, seasonal ingredients. The hands-on experience allowed them to develop key kitchen skills while gaining a deeper appreciation for environmentally responsible cooking.
Ashley also delivered an inspiring careers talk, offering valuable insight into opportunities within the hospitality and culinary industries. Students were fascinated to learn professional techniques, including how to portion a whole chicken, a skill that demonstrated both precision and respect for ingredients.
The session was packed with memorable moments and fun culinary facts that even surprised some of our staff, including the story behind carrots originally being purple before Dutch growers popularised the orange variety!
This masterclass was a truly enriching experience that broadened our students knowledge, skills and enthusiasm for food and cooking. We are incredibly grateful to Chef Ashley Marsh and the Adopt a School Trust programme for providing such an inspiring opportunity. Experiences like this make a lasting impact and help our students see the exciting possibilities that lie ahead.
A huge thank you to Ashley and his student chef for an engaging, educational and thoroughly enjoyable day, and a special thank you to Mrs Arhagba for organising this fantastic opportunity for our students.
